Dendrobates

/dɛnˈdroʊbeɪts/ noun

Definition

A genus of small, brightly colored tree-dwelling frogs, commonly called poison dart frogs, found in Central and South American rainforests.

Etymology

From Greek dendron (tree) + bates (walker/dweller). The name literally means 'tree-walker,' describing their arboreal habitat.

Kelly Says

Dendrobates frogs are brilliantly colored to warn predators—their skin toxins are so potent that indigenous peoples used them on blow-gun darts, giving us the name 'poison dart frog.'

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